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The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Why multiple sclerosis remains under-diagnosed in India, and what needs to change
Multiple Sclerosis, by its core definition, is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. This disease leads the immune system to mistakenly attack the myelin sheath, the fatty layer responsible for giving the brain's white matter its distinctive colour, disrupting the transmission of signals across motor, sensory, visual, cognitive, and autonomic systems. This leads to commonly-experienced symptoms such as unexplained weaknesses, tingling sensations, sensitivity to heat and numbness in the feet- and due to easy dismissal arising from the commonality of these symptoms, many individuals with multiple sclerosis remain undiagnosed, further worsening the brain and body's condition. These unchecked symptoms could lead to them experiencing a relapse - a sudden onset of these symptoms, the intensity of which differs from case to case. The burden of under-diagnosis The issue is lack of awareness around this rare disease: as estimated by the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI), the approximate number of persons with MS in India is close to 1.8 lakh. However, only about 35% of these cases are diagnosed and registered through organisations such as MSSI. Therefore, a whopping 65% of this number may be living with undiagnosed multiple sclerosis, suggesting that they suffer silently, without proper support, and are uninformed about the root cause behind their symptoms. Studies indicate that both physical and mental aspects of health are deeply affected, causing depression, physical disability and fatigue, leading to an overall drop in quality of life. The heat factor According to a 2024 survey, 80% of Indians between ages 18 to 50 experience at least one symptom of stress on a regular basis, with women being disproportionately affected. This, coupled with India being geographically positioned in a high temperature zone, and the fact that women are more susceptible to MS suggests that Indian women between the ages 18 to 50 may have the highest chances of suffering from undiagnosed multiple sclerosis. MS also afflicts males, and they too may suffer relapses worsened by the same triggers, though generally at a lower prevalence and with varied presentation across age groups and heat exposure. Adding to this, men with MS may experience more severe neurodegeneration and cognitive symptoms - although the root cause remains unclear. Men are shown to have higher chances of being diagnosed with primary progressive MS (PPMS). This type of MS is characterised by a lack of remissions and symptoms that don't improve. Most Indians therefore, undergo MS relapses triggered not just by stress, but also by infections, and prolonged heat. Dismissal of symptoms due to their commonality in nature is not the only factor behind the high ratio between diagnosed and undiagnosed populations affected by MS; lack of awareness among the public and healthcare providers, uneven access to specialist neurologists and MRI diagnostics, and limited data systems for tracking the disease nationwide all contribute to the problem. A scalable solution To bridge this gap, especially in rural settings, one scalable solution is through using the National Health Mission's Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) worker network. Nearly one million ASHAs already engage with rural communities, track symptoms, and help people seek care. Training ASHAs to spot red-flag neurological signs, such as persistent numbness, tingling, and unexplained fatigue that worsens in heat, can greatly reduce missed diagnoses. At the same time, improving primary health centres (PHCs) and community health centres (CHCs) under initiatives such as the Aardram Mission in Kerala to include basic neurological screening tools and MRI referral pathways can boost early detection in underserved areas. Supported by targeted education for physicians, including accessible continuing medical education (CME) programmes for general practitioners on recognizing MS, triggers, and referral protocols, we can build a grassroots awareness model that does not rely on metro-based outreach and fits with India's public health system. Need for more awareness The key in bridging the gap between diagnosed patients and silent sufferers of MS in India lies in awareness. With multiple sclerosis still being considered a rare disease, there are no proven studies that determine its root cause or cure. However, better management of symptoms through early diagnosis may lead to a better quality of life, also minimising the overall damage caused to the myelin sheath. It is advisable to check with your neurologist and get screenings done to confirm your diagnosis, if you suspect you may have this autoimmune disease. (Dr (Col) J. D. Mukherji is vice chairman and head, department of neurology, institute of neurosciences, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi.
New Indian Express
02-06-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
MS awareness programmes end with a meet
It starts with blurry vision, numbness in your legs, body weakness, imbalance, bladder issues and fatigue. Even when people visit a general physician with some symptoms of this disease, it goes missed,' pointed out Dr Venkataraman Karthikeyan, consultant neurologist at Kauvery Hospitals. In discussion was Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease, 'where your own immunological system has gone rogue and the system which it wants to protect, it is going and hitting.' The neurologist was speaking at the awareness meeting about Multiple Sclerosis to empower persons with the disease, conducted by the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) Chennai Chapter on Friday at Anna Nagar Tower Park. World Multiple Sclerosis Day is celebrated on May 30 every year. The theme for this year's World MS Day was 'Navigating MS together - My MS diagnosis'. To spread awareness, the organisation had been conducting a range of activities throughout May, including neurographic art, transforming one's traumatic diagnosis into a colourful storybook, interaction with neurologists, energising yoga therapy, counselling, and brain lab sessions, as well as public awareness programmes at Chennai Airport and radio talk shows.
The Hindu
30-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
On World MS Day, Chennai Chapter of MSSI raises awareness
To mark the World Multiple Sclerosis Day which falls on May 30 every year, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI ) Chennai Chapter held an awareness campaign on Friday at Anna Nagar Tower Park. 'The theme of World MS Day 2025 is 'My MS Diagnosis' which puts an emphasis on how to diagnose MS, a neuro degenerative disorder. The program is held at the park to create awareness among the general public about Multiple Sclerosis and how quickly they should consult a neurologist,' says Ann Gonsalvez, founder member of the Chennai chapter. 'To de-stress persons living with MS, we have yoga therapy, art therapy, fatigue management, and more - which is also why we have brought music today,' she said. 'The Multiple Sclerosis mainly affects people aged 18-40, and it tends to affect women more. But as a society, there is only limited awareness about it. If it is detected early and treated, people affected can live just like anyone else,' said Dr Venkatraman Karthikeayan, Consultant Neurologist at Kauvery Hospital. 'The MSSI Chennai Chapter hopes to continue improving the quality of life for those affected. There are many people who are unaware of the treatments available for MS, which is why campaigns like these are important,' said Archana Ganesan, a member with MS condition. Around 40 members of MSSI and individuals with MS condition attended the event.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Moraine police offering safety program for seniors, others
MORAINE, Ohio (WDTN) — A program offering additional safety checks to seniors and individuals with disabilities is open in Moraine. The Moraine Police Department is reminding the community it offers a service for certain residents to have extra safety measures. According to the department, residents who are at least 65 years old with 'serious medical conditions' and live alone, and individuals with Alzheimer's, Autism, Dementia or developmental disorders are among those who can participate. 'Through MSSI, our Police and Fire Departments can quickly access critical information using secure databases, ID bracelets, and lock boxes — ensuring help gets where it's needed fast,' said MPD. Moraine police said the program is voluntary. To enroll in the program, call Moraine Police Department at 937-535-1166, ask for Sergeant Dyer and reference the program. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hindu
11-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Special session on yoga, multiple sclerosis held
A special session on yoga and multiple sclerosis (MS) was organised in the city on Sunday. The Chennai chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) along with Yogavahini Foundation and the Radial Road branch of Kauvery Hospital, organised the special event to commemorate World Multiple Sclerosis Day, observed on May 30. Experts at the hospital spoke on the condition and its diagnosis, medication, rehabilitation, and wellness beyond medication that could help improve the quality of life. The participants also learned about yoga therapy for neurological conditions. They were taught tools and practices to manage symptoms to empower them to live with multiple sclerosis. The initiative aimed to promote holistic approaches to managing MS and improve the quality of life for individuals with the condition, said . 'The event provided a platform for persons with MS to connect with experts, learn new coping strategies, and find support,' Ann Gonsalvez, honorary secretary of MSSI, Chennai chapter, said.
